4 Countries and 28 Hours Later!

We have arrived in Taiwan - safe and sound after passing through 4 countries. It was a LONG day (up at 5:15 in Vancouver for a flight to San Francisco, then 17 hours from SF via Nagoya, Japan) but there weren't any major problems along the way (other than losing my New Zealand apples at US Customs!). We slept a bit, we read, we watched movies, we ate alot, and then Mel and Tyler met us at the Taipei Airport. It's hard to believe that we haven't seen them for just about a whole year - it was nice to put our arms around them and exchange hugs again!

So far jet lag hasn't affected us. Today we went to church this morning, had a Chinese picnic with treats from a little bakery, checked out a huge mall, and then had the tea buffet at the Grand Hotel - the only Chinese palace style hotel in the world. Madame Chiang Kai-Shek had this hotel built after they came to Taiwan in the 50's and it's beautiful with traditional carvings, artwork, fountains and furnishings. Red and gold, marble and exotic woods are used throughout.

Riding the rapid transit is an experience in itself - thank goodness Mel and Tyler know it well. We did successfully figure out how to load our yo-yo cards(you use them for paying for the transit rides). The whole transit system is definitely much more advanced than what Edmonton has!

A walk through the park across from Mel and Tyler's apartment brought us back home - to the air conditioning - yeah!! Mel has lots planned for us, including an early morning hike tomorrow. It's amazing how many different things you can experience in just 1 day!! Check out the view from their apartment - here's waving at you!!